Wednesday, May 27, 2009

All About the Aztecs

THis morning in math we used cubes and mutiplication to identify the volume of figures in units cubed. SOme students need to finish their classwork for homework. There is also a worksheet to practice identifying capacity.

In reading I had planned to model using context clues to identify the meaning of unknown words but was derailed by the overt enthusiasm that the entire class showed for learning about the Aztecs. So we spent time reading about the beginning of the Aztec civilization, discussing timelines (including BC and AD) and using maps to figure out where the communities were located. In short, the class turned a "blah" lesson into an enjoyable learning experience where MANY skills were used!!! We will continue learning about the Aztecs AND use context clues to tackle new words...but today was more about laying the foundation on the social studies side.

Following PE, lunch and recess we will go to FASTT math and continue write realistic fiction. I will begin the block with a review of the correct conventions needed when using dialogue in writing.

Then we will end the day by observing and cross pollinating our plants. However, if time permits, we will contninue reading about the Aztecs!